Athabasca is one of the many glaciers located in the massive Columbia Icefield. Athabasca glacier has definitely lost a lot of mass over days, months and years. One of those factors is climate change. Many thanks to Columbia Icefield Adventure for tickets, tour guides speaking while operating Ice Explorer, and allowing the public an opportunity of glacier experience.
I first stepped foot in September 2009, autumn season, having more space to walk around, was in awe of laying on powdery snow, being able to bring my water bottle, and sample a little of glacier water.
Fast forward to July 2026, peak of summer, shocked by differences in appearance, limited areas to walk, signaled by red flag boundaries, slush ice, mixture of history, science, geography, geology, physics, and conservation.
I was elated. Now I'm sad. My only regret was not returning sooner. read more